Police Sergeant (Internal Applicants Only)

City of Joplin, MO•Joplin, MO
•$51,001 - $77,144

About The Position

Under limited supervision, the Police Sergeant supervises and leads law enforcement personnel assigned to a shift or squad and investigates and manages complex and sensitive civil and criminal cases. The role includes patrol, responding to calls, conducting investigations, resolving operational issues, supporting officers in the field, and ensuring effective delivery of services to the public and the Police Department. The Police Sergeant reviews staff work and performance, trains and develops subordinate officers, prepares shift and incident reports, coordinates case management with prosecutors and other agencies, and ensures crime-scene evidence is collected and handled according to legal standards. The position may serve in specialized supervisory assignments, including Traffic Reconstruction, School Resources, Internal Affairs, Narcotics and Criminal Investigations, Field Training, Motorcycle Operation, and Crime Scene Investigation. The sergeant also contributes to hiring, promotion, performance management, and disciplinary processes. The position works in indoor and outdoor environments and may involve extended periods of patrol or operating a vehicle and equipment. It requires the ability to work a variety of shifts and be called in as needed. Employment is conditional on successful completion of a background investigation, physical exam, and drug test. Employees must complete annual qualifications and department-mandated training; specialized assignments may require additional qualifications, certifications, or licenses. This posting is for internal applicants only.

Requirements

  • Currently hold the rank of Police Corporal.
  • At least three years of law enforcement experience with the Joplin Police Department.
  • High school diploma or GED, plus at least 60 semester hours of college-level coursework from an accredited college or university, including substantial coursework in Criminal Justice, Law Enforcement, Police Science, or a related discipline.
  • Possess and maintain a valid state-issued driver’s license.
  • Possess Missouri POST certification for Peace Officer.
  • Knowledge of employee supervision principles and practices, including performance evaluation and progressive discipline.
  • Knowledge of law enforcement principles and practices, including investigation, identification, patrol, traffic control, records management, report preparation, and custody of persons and property.
  • Knowledge of law enforcement equipment, including weaponry, communications, and automotive equipment.
  • Knowledge of applicable City laws, ordinances, and regulations and applicable Federal, State, and County statutes, codes, and ordinances.
  • Knowledge of city streets and addresses and Microsoft Office Suite.
  • Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with law enforcement and regulatory agencies, City officials, criminal justice system staff, and the public.
  • Skill in preparing reports documenting facts and actions related to criminal and civil incidents; interpreting complex statutes, ordinances, regulations, and standards; conducting criminal investigations; and reviewing subordinate staff work against operational standards.
  • Ability to communicate using a standard two-way radio and use Microsoft Office Suite.
  • Must be at least 21 years of age and a United States citizen, with no felony convictions or misdemeanor domestic violence convictions.
  • Must comply with department policy on tattoos, piercings, and gauges.
  • Must be able to work a variety of shifts and be subject to call-in as needed.
  • Must successfully complete annual qualifications and department-mandated training.
  • Must successfully complete a post-offer background investigation, physical exam, and drug test.
  • Must meet the hearing and vision requirements and physical capabilities described for the position, including standing, walking, or running for extended periods; responding rapidly to emergencies; and lifting, carrying, pushing, or pulling objects weighing up to 100 pounds, or heavier with proper equipment.

Responsibilities

  • Supervise law enforcement personnel assigned to a shift or squad, review their reports and work, consider feedback or complaints, and evaluate staff in the field as needed.
  • Patrol the city during the assigned shift, respond to civil and criminal complaints, conduct preliminary investigations, and investigate assigned cases.
  • Resolve day-to-day operational problems and questions from staff and the public.
  • Perform subordinate officers’ duties when necessary and provide field backup to officers.
  • Train subordinate officers in law enforcement policies, procedures, and techniques.
  • Prepare shift activity records and communicate relevant information to the next shift supervisor.
  • Prepare monthly activity and significant-incident reports for command staff.
  • Manage cases, including coordinating with prosecutors on disclosures and arraignments, maintaining case files, and coordinating with other law enforcement agencies.
  • Prepare reports, complaints, affidavits, and related technical and legal documents concerning investigative progress and findings.
  • Secure and investigate crime scenes and ensure physical evidence and property are collected, preserved, and handled according to legal standards; train less experienced staff as needed.
  • Interview and interrogate victims, suspects, and witnesses, and gather information and evidence using technical surveillance equipment and investigative techniques.
  • Testify in court regarding case facts and investigative processes.
  • Serve in assigned specialized supervisory roles, including Traffic Reconstruction, School Resources, Internal Affairs, Narcotics and Criminal Investigations, Field Training, Motorcycle Operation, and Crime Scene Investigation.
  • Coach and develop direct reports through regular performance feedback and formal evaluations.
  • Address employee performance concerns and provide input to disciplinary processes in accordance with policies and procedures.
  • Participate in hiring and promotional processes and coordinate with Human Resources on applicable recruitment, hiring, and promotion requirements.
  • Communicate and cooperate effectively with department colleagues and external parties, and maintain satisfactory attendance.
  • Attend and participate in departmental staff meetings.
  • Maintain confidentiality of files, records, and reports as required by law and City policy and procedures.
  • Perform other duties as assigned.
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